About the Countryside

Locations

Barnstaple

The region’s capital is growing in stature as time goes on. The Pannier Market, which was once the hub of local commerce, is still going strong whilst the High Street enjoys a cosmopolitan feel thanks to big chains and coffee shops. Food shopping in Barnstaple is excellent, with delis, fishmongers and a great bakery taking up space on Butcher’s Row, a traditional food street. Barnstaple is handy for the beach too, with easy access to Woolacombe, Saunton and Croyde, as well as Westward Ho!.

Bideford

This pretty town has a stunning location on the banks of the River Torridge. It was once a busy port, and still accepts a few consignments of cargo, but is now a town of independent shops, pubs and a lovely Pannier Market, where you can buy everything from local pork to hand knitted tea cosies! The river is the focus and on summer evenings you’ll see rowers and kayakers enjoying the waters whilst fishermen try their luck from the town’s ancient bridge.

Torrington

Another market town with a thriving independent scene in a stunning location high above the River Torridge, Torrington is an historic centre with a traditional Pannier Market and lots of independent shops. It’s a good base for cycling as the Tarka Trail, an off-road cycle route, passes directly by it over the river.

Holsworthy

Another market town, Holsworthy is full of fine merchant’s properties and is surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful open countryside. Two impressive concrete viaducts, which once carried the railway, sit either side of the town and provide a safe, off road cycle way for cyclists heading to Bude.

Hartland

More village than town, Hartland is the centre of the Hartland Peninsula. Being in a little corner of Devon that’s often forgotten, it’s out on a limb a little, which means that it’s always quiet. There are gorgeous valleys and meadows to explore here, and even a privately owned lighthouse. Inland you’ll find the villages of Bradworthy and Woolfardisworthy, which are similar to Hartland in that they are thriving rural communities in the middle of thousands of acres of open farmland.

Our Countryside Cottages

The North Devon Countryside is magical, with stunning forests and hills, amazing wildlife and some absolutely unforgettable scenery! If you love to be at one with nature, you will want to be in the countryside, and our cottages in the countryside will allow you to be close to it. Our countryside cottages are close to stunning gardens and local heritage sites, or you could just explore the incredible surroundings.